A tribute to Zinedine Zidane:
The World Cup 2006 had ended, and Italy had won the competiton, abeit in my opinion, un-deservedly. However, I have to give them credit for hanging on, despite France controlling the match. Like they say, luck plays a role in soccer, even in the finals.
France advanced to the finals, and what I saw was that the determination of the veterans playing their last World Cup that saw them through. Players like Viera, Thuram, and Zidane himself were inspired, and they gave their best for what I saw, was their year. Their performance overshone opponents that went through to the last 16, countries like England and Brazil who did not lived up to expectations. However, despite the critics on their backs, France did not make to big a fuss, and their position was nothing that shocked me.
Zinedine Zidane, the player who first inspired me to kick the ball around, the first who drove me to try and master different varieties of getting past numerous opponents, and the first who taught me about the passion of football. His two goals in the finals against Brazil, his winning volley in the Champions League are but a few highlights of his entire careers. The number of acheivements he earned as a player, including the World Player of the Year, was something he truly deserved. He was a humble player, never once speaking about matches he played well in, hiding in the shadows about his glorious games, never once holding his head high. His determination and grit was important as a football player, as vital as his vison and ability to run at opponents. His strengths were undervalued by many, and most only recall the moments of greatness in his career. But what made him a legend in true fans, and in mind heart, are his undervalued strrengths, and the way he play The Beautiful Game.
His role in World Cup 2006 deservingly won him the Golden Ball. But critics refuse to back down, and they grab the chance to gnaw on his one moment of fury. He is, but a human, and the controversial headbutt only prove that besides his mastery of the game, he is one who doesn't back down for the ones he loved. This showed that his instinct to protect his family, even from plain verbal attacks, was one that developed from his heart to them. But few questioned the reason behind the headbutt, they only saw and think that every red card would cause a game to turn in the opponent's favor. Truth is, what made France lose, was the luckless penaltly strike that saw the ball come off the bar.
As the newspapers and and the press round the world hound in day in, day out, Zidane has once again, kept quiet, and only spoke about what was behind the scene on that match day. If he had withdrew himself from that verbal attack, I, for one, would have been ashame of his cowardice, and never speak about him again. But that red card made me applaud his temperament, and he is up there, with the rest of the football greats.
The rest of the world harp on still, about one moment of 'insanity', but the match had passed, and what Zidane had contributed to the world of soccer surpassed even the greatest of sins. But so called football fans continually ask for his head, and I appeal to the people. For what he had brought us, countless magic with his two feet, inspiration to younger players, and his determination and courage that had brought France so far out into the tournament, please. Let him retire in peace.
Zinedine Zidane, you remain as the #1 soccer idol I've had, and the impact you made on my life, has me holding you in high respect for eternity. Your story, I'd pass down to children and grandchildren, and you've taught me much. You are always a champion in my heart. I wish you all the best in your future paths.
Zizou, I salute you.
The World Cup 2006 had ended, and Italy had won the competiton, abeit in my opinion, un-deservedly. However, I have to give them credit for hanging on, despite France controlling the match. Like they say, luck plays a role in soccer, even in the finals.
France advanced to the finals, and what I saw was that the determination of the veterans playing their last World Cup that saw them through. Players like Viera, Thuram, and Zidane himself were inspired, and they gave their best for what I saw, was their year. Their performance overshone opponents that went through to the last 16, countries like England and Brazil who did not lived up to expectations. However, despite the critics on their backs, France did not make to big a fuss, and their position was nothing that shocked me.
Zinedine Zidane, the player who first inspired me to kick the ball around, the first who drove me to try and master different varieties of getting past numerous opponents, and the first who taught me about the passion of football. His two goals in the finals against Brazil, his winning volley in the Champions League are but a few highlights of his entire careers. The number of acheivements he earned as a player, including the World Player of the Year, was something he truly deserved. He was a humble player, never once speaking about matches he played well in, hiding in the shadows about his glorious games, never once holding his head high. His determination and grit was important as a football player, as vital as his vison and ability to run at opponents. His strengths were undervalued by many, and most only recall the moments of greatness in his career. But what made him a legend in true fans, and in mind heart, are his undervalued strrengths, and the way he play The Beautiful Game.
His role in World Cup 2006 deservingly won him the Golden Ball. But critics refuse to back down, and they grab the chance to gnaw on his one moment of fury. He is, but a human, and the controversial headbutt only prove that besides his mastery of the game, he is one who doesn't back down for the ones he loved. This showed that his instinct to protect his family, even from plain verbal attacks, was one that developed from his heart to them. But few questioned the reason behind the headbutt, they only saw and think that every red card would cause a game to turn in the opponent's favor. Truth is, what made France lose, was the luckless penaltly strike that saw the ball come off the bar.
As the newspapers and and the press round the world hound in day in, day out, Zidane has once again, kept quiet, and only spoke about what was behind the scene on that match day. If he had withdrew himself from that verbal attack, I, for one, would have been ashame of his cowardice, and never speak about him again. But that red card made me applaud his temperament, and he is up there, with the rest of the football greats.
The rest of the world harp on still, about one moment of 'insanity', but the match had passed, and what Zidane had contributed to the world of soccer surpassed even the greatest of sins. But so called football fans continually ask for his head, and I appeal to the people. For what he had brought us, countless magic with his two feet, inspiration to younger players, and his determination and courage that had brought France so far out into the tournament, please. Let him retire in peace.
Zinedine Zidane, you remain as the #1 soccer idol I've had, and the impact you made on my life, has me holding you in high respect for eternity. Your story, I'd pass down to children and grandchildren, and you've taught me much. You are always a champion in my heart. I wish you all the best in your future paths.
Zizou, I salute you.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
posted by cigarettelove @ 5:46 AM
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